Business Details
28 Years
experience
Furniture Donation & Family Support Services in Columbus, OH
Founded in 1998, the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio has dedicated itself to transforming empty houses into homes of hope for families facing poverty and severe life challenges. Our mission focuses on reducing the impact of poverty by providing essential furniture to individuals and families in need, supported by a network of 75+ social service partners. Over 26 years, we have served more than 75,000 families and distributed over 950,000 pieces of furniture, operating through a sustainable model that combines donations, thrift stores, and a social enterprise downsizing service. Our team coordinates daily donation pickups, furniture distribution appointments, and community outreach programs, ensuring families receive 95% of key furniture items needed for their homes. With the support of 9,600+ furniture donors, 1,300+ volunteers, and 1,150 financial contributors annually, we maintain rigorous quality standards for donated items while offering tax-deductible donation options.Our operations include a wood shop for building additional furniture, a network of thrift stores generating revenue for our mission, and a client-centered approach where families select their own furnishings. We collaborate with case managers and community organizations to verify need, delivering furniture directly to homes the same day it is selected. Our Downsize with a Heart service provides professional decluttering solutions, with 100% of proceeds reinvested into our core mission. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we continue to strengthen family units, improve quality of life, and build a better community across Central Ohio.
Services
Furniture Donation
Thrift Stores
Downsizing Services
Furniture Distribution
Volunteer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have served over 75,000 families since 1998 with a client-centered furniture selection process
- Our 75+ social service partners ensure we reach families facing poverty and severe life challenges
- All financial donations are tax-deductible and directly support local community needs
- We operate a sustainable model combining donations, thrift stores, and a social enterprise service
- Our team coordinates same-day furniture delivery to ensure immediate impact for families in need
Services
Furniture Donation
We accept gently-used furniture and home goods through curbside pickup, in-home pickup, and drop-off locations. Our team inspects items to ensure they meet donation standards, including no rips, stains, or health risks. Donated items directly support families transitioning from homelessness or severe life challenges.
Downsize with a Heart
This professional downsizing service removes unwanted furniture, household items, and trash from homes, garages, and storage units. Fees start at $250/hour with proceeds funding our core mission. Damaged items and major disposal jobs may incur additional fees due to landfill costs.
Furniture Distribution
We provide furniture to families in need through a referral system managed by case managers or community organizations. Clients select their own furnishings during scheduled appointments, receiving 5-20 pieces per family. Same-day delivery ensures immediate home stability for qualifying households.
Thrift Stores
Our Furniture with a Heart thrift stores in Columbus, Lancaster, and Newark sell donated furniture and household goods. 100% of proceeds support our mission to furnish homes for families in need. Stores offer affordable shopping while maintaining quality standards for all merchandise.
Volunteer Programs
We engage over 2,500 volunteers annually for furniture pickups, store operations, and client assistance. Volunteer opportunities accommodate all ages and ability levels, supporting our mission through direct service or corporate team-building events.
People
Phil Washburn
President and CEO
Phil Washburn leads the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio as President and CEO, overseeing strategic operations and community impact initiatives. With extensive nonprofit leadership experience, he directs daily operations and mission execution across all programs.
Marty Rosenthal
Chair
Marty Rosenthal serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio. As an American Electric Power representative, he contributes corporate leadership expertise to shape the organization's strategic direction.
Darla King
Vice Chair
Darla King holds the Vice Chair position on the Board of Directors, bringing business leadership experience from King Business Interiors, Inc. She plays a key role in programming and event support for the organization.
Thomas Mack
Treasurer
Thomas Mack serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors, providing financial expertise from his role at PNC Bank. He ensures fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth for the Furniture Bank's operations.
Sana Barrett
Secretary
Sana Barrett, Community Leader and Board Secretary, contributes community engagement expertise to the Furniture Bank's governance. She supports operational planning and community outreach initiatives as part of the leadership team.
Questions
How do families qualify for furniture assistance?
Families qualify through referrals from case managers, churches, synagogues, mosques, employers, or healthcare providers who verify their need.
What are your furniture donation standards?
We accept gently-used furniture with no rips, stains, pet damage, or health risks. Appliances must be working and under 15 years old.
Do you offer pickup services for donations?
Yes, we offer free pickup for donations of 10+ items and charge hourly rates for larger downsizing jobs through Downsize with a Heart.
Are donations tax-deductible?
All financial contributions and qualifying furniture donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
How can I volunteer?
We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities for furniture pickups, store operations, and client assistance through our structured volunteer program.
What happens to donated items?
Donated furniture either goes directly to families in need or gets sold in our thrift stores, with 100% of proceeds supporting our mission.
